This 1965 Sting Ray convertible is famous as one of very few to remain unrestored and original, consequently earning Bloomington Gold Survivor and Benchmark certification among its many other accolades. The year 1965 marked the introduction of two very significant developments in Corvette’s ongoing evolution. The most widely anticipated was the change from drum brakes to disc brakes, a feature some critics had been demanding for years. The new L78 big-block delivered on its promise as the ultimate production Corvette powerplant, using 11:1 compression, a radical solid-lifter cam, large-bore Holley 4-barrel carburetor and K66 transistorized ignition to produce 425 HP at a howling 6,400 RPM and 415 lb-ft of torque at 4,000. And there was more on tap, as blueprinting the L78 produced dyno-proven increases to more than 440 HP on an otherwise completely stock engine. Produced on June 3, 1965, and delivered to Bees Chevrolet in St. Johns, Michigan, this unrestored, multiple-award-winning Sting Ray convertible was factory finished in Ermine White with a matching soft top and auxiliary hardtop and black interior, and it’s equipped with a Teakwood steering wheel, AM/FM radio, hubcaps and Firestone Deluxe Champion 7.75- 15 white-stripe tires. One of the most highly decorated Corvettes ever, it is described by one expert as “the pinnacle of preservation,” and it presents in excellent condition with 41,528 original miles, offered as true mileage unknown due to a previous title mistake. A Bloomington Gold Award winner on three separate occasions, it has also been awarded Bloomington Gold Survivor in all four categories and Bloomington Benchmark “America’s Most Prestigious Corvette Award.” In addition to the Bloomington Gold awards, the car also earned the MCACN Triple Diamond Award, the Chevy Vettefest Gold Spinner Award, NCRS Bowtie Preservation Award, and Chapter, Regional and National Top Flight honors. Documentation for this exceptional reference-quality Corvette includes Bloomington Gold certificates and judging sheets, a Triple Crown award, NCRS award confirmation, NCRS/GM Shipping Data Records and CCAS trim tag and engine stamp affirmation from Al Grenning, which supports the authenticity of this car’s original matching-numbers L78 396/425 HP big- block engine.
